Devices, systems, and methods for automated data collection

ABSTRACT

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods, devices, and computer systems thereof for automated data collection from a subject. In certain embodiments, one or more characteristics of a subject are sensed, and the subject is given a queue status indicator based on a comparison of the subject&#39;s one or more sensed characteristics with corresponding sensed characteristics from other subjects. In one embodiment, the subject is a healthcare worker and the system, methods, and devices are utilized to evaluate the overall health of the worker as part of the check-in process for work.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to and claims the benefit of theearliest available effective filing date(s) from the following listedapplication(s) (the “Related Applications”) (e.g., claims earliestavailable priority dates for other than provisional patent applicationsor claims benefits under 35 USC §119(e) for provisional patentapplications, for any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent,etc. applications of the Related Application(s)). All subject matter ofthe Related Applications and of any and all parent, grandparent,great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Related Applications,including any priority claims, is incorporated herein by reference tothe extent such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/463,975, entitled DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODSFOR AUTOMATED DATA COLLECTION, naming Mahalaxmi Gita Bangera, Michael H.Baym, Philip A. Eckhoff, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, ElizabethA. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 4 May 2012, whichis currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currentlyco-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/463,997, entitled DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODSFOR AUTOMATED DATA COLLECTION, naming Mahalaxmi Gita Bangera, Michael H.Baym, Philip A. Eckhoff, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, ElizabethA. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 4 May 2012, whichis currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currentlyco-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

The United States Patent Office (USPTO) has published a notice to theeffect that the USPTO's computer programs require that patent applicantsreference both a serial number and indicate whether an application is acontinuation, continuation-in-part, or divisional of a parentapplication. Stephen G. Kunin, Benefit of Prior-Filed Application, USPTOOfficial Gazette Mar. 18, 2003. The present Applicant Entity(hereinafter “Applicant”) has provided above a specific reference to theapplication(s) from which priority is being claimed as recited bystatute. Applicant understands that the statute is unambiguous in itsspecific reference language and does not require either a serial numberor any characterization, such as “continuation” or“continuation-in-part,” for claiming priority to U.S. patentapplications. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Applicant understands thatthe USPTO's computer programs have certain data entry requirements, andhence Applicant has provided designation(s) of a relationship betweenthe present application and its parent application(s) as set forthabove, but expressly points out that such designation(s) are not to beconstrued in any way as any type of commentary and/or admission as towhether or not the present application contains any new matter inaddition to the matter of its parent application(s).

SUMMARY

Various embodiments are disclosed herein that relate to methods,devices, systems, and computer program products for automated datacollection from a subject assessed for assigning a Queue StatusIndicator depending on the subject's criticality state. Variousembodiments include generating a Characteristic Value for a subjectbased on one or more characteristics or responses to one or morequeries. Various embodiments include generating a Criticality Valuebased on comparison of the subject's Characteristic Value with a dataset(e.g., including values relating to other subjects, or the same subject,or an empty set). Various embodiments include determining a Queue StatusIndicator based on the subject's Criticality Value. Various embodimentsinclude generating a signal or other locational indicator of aparticular subject who has been assigned a Queue Status Indicator.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be inany way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments,and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and featureswill become apparent by reference to the drawings and the followingdetailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates a partial view of a particular embodiment describedherein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial view of a particular embodiment describedherein.

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial view of a particular embodiment describedherein.

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial view of a particular embodiment describedherein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a partial view of a particular embodiment describedherein.

FIG. 6 illustrates a partial view of a particular embodiment describedherein.

FIG. 7 illustrates a partial view of a particular embodiment describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings,similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless contextdictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in thedetailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting.Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made,without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matterpresented here.

In one embodiment, at least one of the methods, devices, computersystems, or computer program products disclosed herein is utilized forautomated data collection (ADC) from a subject in a healthcare setting.In one embodiment, the methods, devices, computer program products, orcomputer systems disclosed herein assist in ranking the criticality of asubject in a healthcare (e.g., critical care or emergency room) settingand using the criticality of the subject to assign a Queue StatusIndicator (QSI), which indicates the priority sequence for subjects inthe queue awaiting medical attention. In one embodiment, the queue ofsubjects is updated in real time with one or more of temporal, spatial,or subject-specific data. In one embodiment, the methods, devices,computer systems, or computer program products save healthcare settingstime, money, and reduce errors by increasing efficiency and collectingand presenting accurate information about each subject in the queue.Likewise, the methods, devices, computer systems, or computer programproducts provide benefits to subjects, including but not limited to,customized attention, higher priority ranking when warranted, and fastertreatment. Thus, various embodiments disclosed herein assist healthcarefacilities, particularly emergency departments, address quality ofservice and safety concerns. Further, the high level of data collectionfrom the subject at the beginning results in fewer re-billing events forpayment of services due to inaccurate information received, or mistakesmade on intake of the subject to the healthcare facility.

In one embodiment, the methods, devices, computer systems, or computerprogram products also access any electronic health records that caninclude, among other things, the subject's past medical problems and/ortreatments as well as possible identifying information.

In one embodiment, the subject includes a human. In one embodiment, thesubject includes a healthcare worker. In one embodiment, the computersystems, devices, methods, computer program products determine whether ahealthcare worker is well enough to go to work, enter a particularhealthcare area, or perform a certain task. In one embodiment, thesubject includes a healthcare patient. In one embodiment, the subject isa fetus. In one embodiment, the subject is a non-human animal. In oneembodiment, the subject is a mammal, amphibian, fish, bird, or reptile.In one embodiment, the subject is a baby or child. In one embodimentsubject is a geriatric. In one embodiment, the subject is a non-adult.In one embodiment, the subject is a cow, horse, dog, cat, or otherdomesticated animal.

In one embodiment, the systems, devices, methods, and computer programproducts described herein do not diagnose a subject. In one embodiment,the systems, devices, methods and computer program products describedherein do not treat a subject, but rather assess the criticality of thesubject. In one embodiment, the systems, devices, methods, and computerprogram products described herein rank the subject in sequential orderwhen compared with other subjects in the queue, depending on thecriticality of the subject's condition, as measured by an assessment,including among other things, one or more data collection questions(DCQs).

In one embodiment, a particular subject undergoes assessment with one ormore sensors. For example, in one embodiment, the subject is assessedwith one or more first sensors that then activates one or more secondsensors, depending on the conditions sensed and criticality of thesubject based on the first sensing (and optionally, consideration ofinformation included in a subject's health record(s)) a first sensorinitiates a system (e.g., a subject passes by it or enters thefacility), or self-reporting of characteristics (e.g., symptoms) by thesubject. In one embodiment, the subject undergoes assessment based on adecision tree originating with the first sensor and/or self-reporting ofcharacteristics (e.g., symptoms) by the subject. (See for example, Shiet al., Science Direct pp. 2016-2028, Vol. 42 (2007); U.S. Patent App.Pub. No. 2010/0049095, the content of each is incorporated herein byreference). For example, nonphysiologic and physiologic sensing can beperformed by one or more sensors of the system alone or in conjunctionwith biological assays, which can be performed by the system (bloodglucose finger prick test, breathalyzer, DNA swab, etc.), orself-reporting by the subject of any characteristics (e.g., symptoms)and of the subject's perceived severity or criticality of suchcharacteristics (e.g., symptoms) (e.g., battery of questions or a figureof a human or other model subject for reporting the location of pain orother trouble) in order to generate one or more Characteristic Valuesfor the subject. In an embodiment, the subject is unaware of theassessment with one or more sensors. In an embodiment, the subject isunresponsive or unconscious. In an embodiment, the subject is given achoice as to whether to be assessed by the one or more sensors.

Next, depending on the results of the assessment (i.e., sensedconditions, biological assays, self-reported characteristics, andoptionally the subject's health record(s) (e.g., electronic healthrecord)), and the corresponding Characteristic Values for the subject,based on comparison with a characterization value dataset. Once theCharacteristic Values for the subject are generated, the subject isassigned a Criticality Value based on comparison with the criticalityvalue dataset. In one embodiment, sensed, assayed, or reportedcharacteristics are compared with known values, including but notlimited to a database of standardized values, or a subject's own healthhistory values. Based on the Criticality Value of the subject, adecision is made utilizing instructions implemented on a computingdevice (network, etc.) to initiate a second set of sensors, biologicalassays, or data collection questions (DCQs). The second assessment canbe predetermined or customized for a particular subject, depending onthe needs of the healthcare facility or the needs of the subject. In anembodiment, the subject's Criticality Value is compared with theCriticality Value dataset including the Criticality Values previouslygenerated for subjects in the queue. In one embodiment, the subject'spresent Criticality Value is compared with the Criticality Value datasetincluding Criticality Values previously generated for the subject basedon his or her own health history.

For example, if it is detected or self-reported that a subject has afever and elevated heart rate, the information from the subject's healthrecord (or information from friends/relatives that are with the subject)can be considered in order to determine which immunizations the subjecthas or has not received. This may prompt a DCQ of asking the subject ifhe/she has traveled anywhere recently, or been in close proximity tosomeone who has. This may also illicit further sensors to senseadditional characteristics or the system to perform biological assays(e.g., finger prick for blood test with PCR for pathogens, etc.) andevaluate the overall condition of the subject based on the sensedconditions. If further sensors or biological assays indicate that thesubject has no other symptoms, for example, this finding will reduce theoverall Criticality Value of the subject and will assign a Queue StatusIndicator accordingly.

In one embodiment, at least one first sensor or other components of thesystem is in operable communication with at least one second sensor orother component. In an embodiment, the at least one first sensor orother component is in wireless communication with at least one secondsensor or other component. Various modes of wireless communication aredescribed herein. In one embodiment, information obtained or collectedregarding the subject is shared or transferred from one part of thesystem to another. For example, the results of an assay can be enteredinto the subject's medical records, or the subject's health records candirect the focus of a sensor for assessing the subject's present stateof health. In this way, in an embodiment, the system represents anintegrated system of multi-directional communication between a subject,a healthcare worker, one or more databases, and one or more assays,sensors, or self-reporting queries.

In one embodiment, at the time the subject first enters the healthcarefacility, he or she can refuse to have any data collected by way ofassessment (e.g., sensors, biological assays, health record (includingprescription records, stored electronic monitoring data, etc.), familyhealth history (including questioning family members), or DCQs). In sucha situation, for example, the subject may still provide a fingerprint,driver's license, social security number, birth date, anonymous uniqueidentifier, or other form of identification for check-in, and optionalaccessing of the subject's health records. In one embodiment, a dateand/or time stamp is registered at the time the subject checks in orbegins the assessment process. In one embodiment, if two subjects wouldotherwise be assigned the same QSI, the date or time stamp that isearlier in time will trump the later in time subject. In this way, twosubjects with the same level of criticality will be seen in the order inwhich they arrived at the healthcare facility.

In one embodiment, the systems, devices, methods, or computer programproducts described herein include the ability to interact withadditional information from, for example, another computer system ofdataset (e.g., personal data storage, personal monitoring device orsensor network, patient tracking system (e.g., Amerlior EDTracker),information system (e.g., Amelior ED), network sensors (e.g., mT Tag™ orother network sensor), implanted sensors, or user input. See forexample, U.S. Patent App. Pub. Nos. 2007/0088713, and 2006/0212085, eachof which is incorporated herein by reference.

In one embodiment, the systems, devices, methods, or computer programproducts described herein include access to the subject's health history(e.g., individual and/or family health history). In one embodiment, thesystems, devices, methods, or computer program products use artificialintelligence for at least one step of the described embodiment(s) (e.g.,OSCAR-MDA, CodeBlue, etc.).

In one embodiment, the systems, devices, methods, or computer programproducts described herein include interaction or tracking informationwith other datasets, for example, a public health database (e.g., CDC,NIH, state or local agency database, etc.). In one embodiment, thesystems, devices, methods, or computer program products described hereinaccess and interact with infectious disease information, bio-weapon orchemical weapon information (e.g., Homeland Security), adverse effectsof drugs or equipment (e.g., for manufacture recalls), or healthcarefacility statistics (e.g., infection rates, hygiene, liability, etc.).In one embodiment, a decision may be made based at least partly oninformation received from such a database, that the subject must bequarantined. In one embodiment, information is transferred one or moredirections, including updating databases with infectious disease orother public health issues (signs of bio/chemical weapons), adverseeffects to drugs or equipment (e.g., for recalls), hospital issues suchas infection rates, hygiene, or liability.

In one embodiment, the Criticality Value of the subject, or one or moreCharacteristic Values, satisfies a threshold condition, and optionallyindicates that one or more Characteristic Values of the subject must bemonitored. For example, the subject can be monitored continuously orintermittently (e.g., at predetermined times or customized times) basedon the subject or subject's condition.

In one embodiment, one or more sensors utilized in assessing thesubject, including one or more remote non-conductive sensors, arelocated in one or more of furniture, wall, floor, door, doorway,reception counter, pen, computer monitor or other hardware, or computingdevice from which a subject is self-reporting one or morecharacteristics (e.g., symptoms). In one embodiment, the one or moresensors are included in an exam table, chair armrest, gurney, or otherfurniture.

In one embodiment, the one or more sensors include at least one ofultrasound, bioimpedance, or infrared thermometry. In one embodiment,the one or more sensors include audio sensors (e.g., cameras that areaudio and/or video recorders), or eye tracking (e.g., imagers). See, forexample, U.S. Patent App. Pub. Nos. 2010/0049095; 2006/0190419;2008/0039698; or 2010/0174533, or U.S. Pat. No. 6,475,161, each of whichhas been incorporated herein by reference.

In one embodiment, one or more subject specific characteristics aremeasured, including but not limited to characteristics of the subjectincluding at least one of height, weight, fingerprint, facial features,visible physical malformations, eye characteristic, appearance of skin,appearance of hair, appearance of nails, respiratory sounds, bodytemperature, blood gas level, heart rate, brain electrical activity,respiration rate, facial expression, blood chemistries, blood cellcounts, platelet counts, antibody titer, calcium level, blood antigentype, tissue antigen type, evidence of a pathogen exposure, lipidslevels, perception of pain level, body movement, gait, stiffness,evidence of cognition state, dehydration, self-reported pain,self-reported malaise, self-reported injury, self-reported event, rigor,fever, self-reported light-headedness or dizziness, self-reported drymouth, self-reported nausea, self-reported shortness of breath,self-reported thirst, weakness, self-reported sleepiness, hearing lossor problem, vision loss or problem, self-reported constipation ordiarrhea, flatulence, self-reported urinary incontinence, self-reportedloss of smell or problem, self-reported loss of voice or problem,self-reported loss of taste, self-reported loss of ability to walk,self-reported loss of ability to write, self-reported loss of ability oflimb or digit use, or other characteristic. For example, the appearanceof skin, hair, or nails can be evaluated by standard criteria, includingbut not limited to hair loss or change in condition, change in anybirthmarks, tattoos or skin blemishes (or arise of any new birthmarks,moles, or other skin marks), body odor, change in nail condition, damagedue to exposure to sun or chemicals, etc.

In one embodiment, one or more subject specific characteristics areassessed by one or more direct or indirect sensors (e.g., remotenon-conductive sensors). In one embodiment, one or more subject specificcharacteristics are assessed by self-reporting by the subject. Forexample, in one embodiment, the subject interacts with at least oneinput/output computing device (e.g., kiosk, tablet, desktop, laptop,handheld device, etc.) and responds to data collection questions (DCQs)relating to his or her characteristics (e.g., symptoms). For example, inone embodiment, the subject may be presented with (in any number ofdifferent possible languages) DCQs relating to one or morecharacteristics of: abdominal pain, knee pain, blood in stool, low backpain, chest pain, nasal congestion, constipation, nausea or vomiting,cough, neck pain, diarrhea, numbness or tingling in hands or feet,difficulty swallowing, pelvic pain (female or male), dizziness, eyediscomfort and/or redness, shortness of breath, foot or ankle pain,shoulder pain, foot or leg swelling, sore throat, headache, urinaryproblems, vision problems, heart palpitations, hip pain, wheezing, jointor muscle pain, skin rash or other rash, earache, or other symptoms.

In one embodiment, the DCQs asked of the subject are directed based onprevious answers provided or other information known about the subject(e.g., by way of the self-reporting, or by way of electronic healthrecord, sensed information, etc.). For example, the DCQs may bedifferent based on the person's gender, health history, or response toanswering a first round of specific DCQs. In one embodiment, the DCQsare prioritized, for example, with the first DCQ has a heavy weightassigned due to its criticality, and depending on the response to theDCQ, the DCQs that follow are tailored to address the concerns presentedin the prior response.

For example, if a subject with a history of heart disease enters thehealthcare facility, and a first remote non-conductive sensor senses andsignals that the subject has an irregular heartbeat, a second sensorquickly determines if the subject is responsive enough to answer DCQs.If so, one of the first DCQs for this subject could be: “Do you havechest pain?” If the subject responds, “Yes,” then a second DCQ could be,for example: “Rank your level of pain on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 beinggreatest level of pain.” Again, depending on the response, with each DCQreceiving a particular numerical Characteristic Value, the DCQs will beadjusted specifically for the reporting subject. For example, if thesubject reports a high level of pain “5,” the system will determine thatthe subject has a high Characteristic Value, and when compared with theCharacteristic Value dataset, generates a Criticality Value, which inturn is assigned a high Queue Status Indicator (QSI). The subject's QSIis determined by comparing the subject's Criticality Value with theCriticality Value dataset, including Criticality Values from subjects inthe queue, if any, or Criticality Values from this particular subject,based on his or her own health history. When one or more CharacteristicValues or Criticality Value(s) satisfy a threshold condition, thesubject is awarded a higher QSI, potentially moving him to be first inline to receive medical attention. In the event that the subject's oneor more Characteristic Values or Criticality Value(s) satisfy athreshold condition, the subject may receive an alert that indicates heor she will continue to be monitored (e.g., by one or more sensors,DCQs, or other means), and is continually assessed for changes. If thesubject's health condition is both critical and unstable, for example, alocation indicator is immediately activated in order to identify thelocation of the subject within the healthcare facility.

However, in the same example, if the subject responds, “No,” to thefirst DCQ of “Do you have chest pain?” Then a second DCQ could be: “Doyou feel dizzy or lightheaded?” If the subject responds, “No,” thesubject's responses are assigned a lower Criticality Value than in thefirst scenario. However, the subject may still receive a high QSI basedon his history of heart disease and presentation of heart palpitations.In this case, the subject would still continue to be monitored by one ormore sensors for any change in condition, which could result in a changein QSI based on the Criticality Value of any changed assessmentmeasurements.

In one embodiment, the information input from the subject is assignedvarying degrees of confidence depending on the source of theinformation, in order to reduce conflicting information. For example, ifa subject self-reports a high level of pain, but sensors detect nocorresponding characteristics typical of a high level of pain (e.g.,rapid heart rate, perspiration, agitation, facial expressions ofdiscomfort, etc.), the self-reported Characteristic Value of a highlevel of pain may receive a lower numerical value than if the one ormore sensors verify characteristics typical of a subject's being in ahigh level of pain.

In one embodiment, exemplary DCQs include but are not limited to, “Doyou smoke?”; “Do you have any allergies?”; “Do you have any changes inskin or hair?”; “Do you have shaking or tremors?”; “Do you have numbnessanywhere in your body?”: “Have you traveled lately?”; “Do you havedifficulty swallowing?”; “Have you ever had a fainting spell orconvulsion?”; “Do you have any lumps or bumps in your body?”; “Pleaseindicate whether you are male or female.”; “Are you pregnant?”; “Anychange in appetite?”; “Are you sexually active?”; “Do you have anyvomiting?”; “Do you drink alcohol?”; “List any drugs ingested in thepast 24 hours, including recreational or pharmaceutical drugs.”; “Haveyou had any medical biological assays or treatments (includingsurgeries) lately?”; “Rate your pain on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 beingthe highest amount of pain you have ever had.”; “How is your energylevel?”; “Are you socially withdrawn?”; “Have you been feeling anxiouslately?”; etc. Further examples of potential questions are available,for example, in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2004/0138924, which isincorporated herein by reference.

In one embodiment, if two or more subjects would be assigned the sameQSI based on each of their Criticality Values, respectively, then adate/time stamp from the initial check-in of the subject at thehealthcare facility will determine which subject receives a higherpriority QSI, with the subject presenting earlier in time receiving thehigher QSI. In one embodiment, as described elsewhere herein, if one ormore Characteristic Values of a subject changes, the system will updatethe dataset and the subject's QSI may change, depending on the QSI andcondition of the other subjects in each dataset. Thus, in oneembodiment, the dataset is dynamic (Characteristic Value dataset,Criticality Value dataset, Queue Status Indicator dataset) in that it isupdated when new data is collected for a new subject entering the queue,and/or it is updated when the status changes of a subject already in thequeue. In one embodiment, the corresponding dataset will update based onthe subject's changed status, which will in turn update each datasetaccordingly. For example, if one or more Characteristic Values of asubject are being monitored and one or more change, then the subject'sCriticality Value will change accordingly. When compared with theCriticality Value dataset, the subject's Queue Status Indicator willchange to correspond with the change in the subject's Criticality Value.

As another example, a subject enters the waiting room, activating asensor (subject can be responsive or unresponsive). The subject isimmediately assigned a unique identifier and is remotely scanned forvital signs, and a full image scan is taken.

At least a portion of the image is compared to various parameters anddatabases for signs of trauma, evaluation of appearance (skin, hair,nails, etc.), movement and cognition. At least a portion of the image isoptionally compared with medical history by way of facial recognition.In such a case, a subject then enters the queue based on itsCharacteristic Values reflected by the Criticality Value which generatesthe Queue Status Indicator.

Once the subject has been placed in the queue, additional scans areinitiated, including EEG for possible schizophrenia or determination oflevel of consciousness. For example, a dedicated camera or otherdedicated equipment is used for sensing level of consciousness oralertness.

As shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 includes at least one input/outputdevice 117, or the head sensor 118, can each include data input 124,keyboard input 122, mouse or touchpad input 126, speech input 120, oraudio/video input 128. As indicated, one or more sensors 102, 118, arelocated in proximity to or in directly contact with the subject 104. Theoptional location indicator 119 allows for notification of the subjectwith the highest Criticality Value, translated into the highest QSI. Asindicated, in an embodiment, the input/output device (including akeyboard, audio/video, or other device) includes a receiver 106(optionally wireless, shown on camera), transceiver 108 (optionallywireless), transmitter 110 (optionally wireless), includes audio/videocapabilities 114, includes a power source 115, and memory 116. In anembodiment, the input/output device 117 is operably coupled to acomputer device 112.

In one embodiment, the ADC system includes circuitry having one or morecomponents operably coupled (e.g., communicatively, electromagnetically,magnetically, ultrasonically, optically, inductively, electrically,capacitively coupled, or the like) to each other. In one embodiment,circuitry includes one or more remotely located components. In oneembodiment, remotely located components are operably coupled viawireless communication. In one embodiment, remotely located componentsare operably coupled via one or more receivers 106, transceivers 108, ortransmitters 110, or the like.

In one embodiment, circuitry includes, among other things, one or morecomputing devices such as a processor (e.g., a microprocessor), acentral processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), anapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmablegate array (FPGA), or the like, or any combinations thereof, and caninclude discrete digital or analog circuit elements or electronics, orcombinations thereof. In one embodiment, circuitry includes one or moreASICs having a plurality of predefined logic components. In oneembodiment, circuitry includes one or more FPGA having a plurality ofprogrammable logic components.

In one embodiment, circuitry includes one or more memory devices 116that, for example, store instructions or data. For example in oneembodiment, the automated data collection system 100 includes one ormore memory devices 116 that store information related to one or morecharacteristics of the subject that has been assessed, electronic healthrecords, self-reported symptoms, insurance, or other health-relatedinformation. Non-limiting examples of one or more memory devices 116include volatile memory (e.g., Random Access Memory (RAM), DynamicRandom Access Memory (DRAM), or the like), non-volatile memory (e.g.,Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-OnlyMemory (EEPROM), Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM), or the like,persistent memory or the like, Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory(EPROM), flash memory, or the like. The one or more memory devices 116can be coupled to, for example, one or more computing devices 112 by oneor more instructions, data, or power buses.

In one embodiment, circuitry includes one or more computer-readablemedia drives, interface sockets, Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports,memory card slots, or the like, and one or more input/output componentssuch as, for example, a graphical user interface, a display, a keyboard,a keypad, a trackball, a joystick, a touch-screen, a mouse, a switch, adial, or the like, and any other peripheral device. In one embodiment,circuitry includes one or more user input/output components that areoperably coupled to at least one computing device to control(electrical, electromechanical, software-implemented,firmware-implemented, or other control, or combinations thereof) atleast one parameter associated with, for example, the health informationrelated to the subject's health condition.

In one embodiment, the system is configured to operate in an applicationservice provider format. In one embodiment, the system is configured tobe implemented using open source tools. For example, in one embodiment,the system includes using one or more of Java, Java server pages (JSP),Java database connectivity (JDBC), structured query language (SQL),extensible markup language (XML), user interface language (XUL) and/orscalable vector graphics (SVG) technologies.

In one embodiment, image-based applications such as viewers and/ortoolkits (e.g., Insight Segmentation and Registration Toolkit (ITK)),are incorporated for further intake of information. In one embodiment,CAD implementations or image segmentation may allow previous processingof images previously accepted on intake of information from the subject.

In one embodiment, circuitry includes a computer-readable media drive ormemory slot that is configured to accept non-transitory signal-bearingmedium (e.g., computer-readable memory media, computer-readablerecording media, or the like). In one embodiment, a program for causinga system to execute any of the disclosed methods can be stored on, forexample, a computer-readable recording medium (CRMM), a non-transitorysignal-bearing medium, or the like. Non-limiting examples ofsignal-bearing media include a recordable type medium such as magnetictape, floppy disk, a hard disk drive, Compact Disc (CD), a Digital VideoDisk (DVD), Blu-Ray Disc, digital tape, computer memory, or the like, aswell as transmission type medium such as a digital and/or analogcommunication medium (e.g., fiber optic cable, waveguide, wiredcommunications link, wireless communication link (e.g., receiver 106,transceiver 108, or transmitter 110, transmission logic, receptionlogic, etc.). Further non-limiting examples of signal-bearing mediainclude, but are not limited to, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD+RW, DVD-RW,DVD-R, DVD+R, CD-ROM, Super Audio CD, CD-R, CD+R, CD+RW, CD-RW, VideoCompact Discs, Super Video Discs, flash memory, magnetic tape,magneto-optic disk, MINIDISC, non-volatile memory card, EEPROM, opticaldisk, optical storage, RAM, ROM, system memory, web server, cloud, orthe like. In one embodiment, the ADC system 100 includes circuitryhaving one or more modules optionally operable for communication withone or more input/output components that are configured to relay useroutput/input. In one embodiment, a module includes one or more instancesof electrical, electromechanical, software-implemented,firmware-implemented, or other control devices. Such devices include oneor more instances of memory, computing devices, antennas, power or othersupplies, logic modules or other signaling modules, gauges or other suchactive or passive detection components, piezoelectric transducers, shapememory elements, micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) elements, orother actuators.

In one embodiment, the computing device further includes audio/visualinput/output connected to the system and configured to interact with thesubject. In one embodiment, the system further includes a printingdevice connected to the computing device. In one embodiment, the systemincludes an input/output device including a graphical interface (e.g.,display, touch screen, etc.).

In one embodiment, the one or more sensors include, for example, one ormore acoustic sensors, optical sensors, electromagnetic energy sensors,image sensors, photodiode arrays, charge-coupled devices (CCDs),complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) devices, transducers,optical recognition sensors, infrared sensors, radio frequency componentsensors, thermo sensors, three-dimensional sensors (e.g. to assess thesubject's facial expressions exhibiting pain or discomfort, flushing orredness, or a subject's gait or other movements, etc.).

In one embodiment, one or more components of the system (e.g., chairimpregnated with sensors for assessing one or more characteristics ofthe subject) operate in a networked environment using logic connectionsto one or more remote computing devices (e.g., a common network node, anetwork computer, a network node, a peer device, a personal computer, arouter, a server, a tablet PC, a tablet, etc.) and typically includesmany or all of the elements described above. In one embodiment, thelogic connections include connections to a local area network (LAN),wide area network (WAN), and/or other networks. In one embodiment, thelogic connections include connections to one or more enterprise-widecomputer networks, intranets, and the internet. In one embodiment, thesystem 100, the one or more components of the system, or the likeoperate in a cloud computing environment including one or more cloudcomputing systems (e.g., private cloud computing systems, public cloudcomputing systems, hybrid cloud computing systems, or the like).

In one embodiment, the subject 104 includes a fetus. In one embodiment,the subject includes a human being. In one embodiment, the human beingincludes a fetus. In one embodiment, the subject includes a livingorganism that is distinguished from plants by independent movement andresponsive sense organs.

In one embodiment the one or more sensors 102 may sense heartbeatintervals and ECG readings remotely by measuring small electricalpotentials using a high input impedance electrometer. An example of sucha sensor device is described in U.S. Patent Application Pub. No.2006/0058694, supra; WO 2003/048789, supra; Harland, Meas. Sci.Technol., supra; Prance, 2007 Journal of Physics: Conference Series,supra, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Such sensordevices are expected to provide noninvasive and remote monitoring. Inone embodiment, the one or more sensors 102 may be worn by the subjectin or on clothing or jewelry, such as in wrist bands, and may be innon-conductive contact with the body. For example, as described by U.S.Patent Application Pub. No. 2006/0058694, supra; WO 2003/048789, supra;C. J. Harland et al., High resolution ambulatory electrocardiographicmonitoring using wrist-mounted electric potential sensors, 14 Meas. Sci.Technol. 923-928 (2003), each of which is incorporated herein byreference. In one embodiment, the one or more sensors 102 may beincluded in or associated with a piece of furniture, such as a chair ordesk, or electronics such as a personal computer, or with some otherremote item within, e.g., within approximately one meter from thesubject. In one embodiment, the one or more sensors 102 are able tomeasure electric potentials may be embedded in objects, such as a bed orchair, in direct but non-conductive contact with the subject. Forexample, as described by U.S. Pat. No. 7,245,956, supra, each of whichis incorporated herein by reference. In one embodiment, the one or moresensors 102 may sense heartbeat intervals and electrocardiographicinformation by examining physiologic activity of the subject or itsorgans and may be operable to sense a characteristic of the subject 104in response to an electromagnetic signal sent at or illuminating thesubject and reflected from the subject. In one embodiment, theilluminating may include exposing, subjecting, or directing energy atthe subject. Systems using illuminating or reflected electromagneticsignals, including radiofrequency (RF) or microwave signals, aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,272,431; U.S. Patent Application Pub. No.2004/0123667; or U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2008/0045832; each ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference. In one embodiment, one ormore sensors 102, which may be or include a sensor array, may bedeployed, for example, throughout a room, perhaps as part of a smartroom network, so as to monitor the subject at rest or in motion.

In one embodiment, information gathered by the one or more sensors 102may be communicated to a computer. In one embodiment, information may becommunicated to a computer of the system electronically. In oneembodiment, information may be communicated to a computer of the systemwirelessly, for example using radio waves or ultrasound waves, orBluetooth™ technology. In one embodiment, a computer, may be used toprocess the information. The computer may be part of a network.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment in which a system 100, includes one ormore sensors 102 configured to assess a subject 104. As shown, thesubject 104, can be assessed by various modes, including but not limitedto, input/output device (e.g., user interface) 117, head sensor (e.g.,breathalyzer, thermal scan, respiration sensor, pupillometry, retinalscan, etc.) 118, audio/visual device 114 (e.g., camera), optionallyincluding one or more of a receiver 106, transceiver 108, transmitter110, computer device 112, memory 116, or power source 115. As shown, inone embodiment, an audio or visual criticality indicator 119 signals asubject whose Criticality Value satisfies a threshold condition (e.g.,satisfying an emergency or critical threshold), based, for example, onassessed characteristics of the subject, self-reporting symptoms, and/orhealth history records.

In one embodiment, the one or more sensors 102 includes a sensor arrayconfigured to sense a characteristic of the subject 102 withoutphysically contacting the subject. For example, the sensor array mayinclude at least two sensor heads. In one embodiment, the at least twosensor heads may include at least two sensor heads configured to sensethe same characteristic of the subject. In one embodiment, the at leasttwo sensor heads may include sensor heads configured to sense differentcharacteristics of the subject. For example, one sensor head may beconfigured to sense temperature, another sensor head configured to senseheart rate, and a further sensor head configured to sense bloodpressure. In one embodiment, the sensor includes a sensor responsive,without physically contacting the subject, to an impedance, capacitance,permittivity, reflectivity, absorption, or electrical activity of thesubject. For example, a sensor including a capacitive proximity sensorelement configured to sense a characteristic of a subject withoutphysically contacting the subject is described in U.S. PatentApplication Pub. No. 2008/0246495, incorporated herein by reference. Forexample, in one embodiment, a reflection or reflectivity characteristicmay include an acoustic, light, or radio wave reflectivity. In oneembodiment, the sensor includes a sensor responsive to thecharacteristic of a subject without physically contacting the subject.In one embodiment, the sensor includes a sensor configured to sense acharacteristic of a subject, for example, at least one anatomical orphysiological characteristic. The characteristics measured includesteady state characteristics (e.g., height, weight, etc.), and variablecharacteristics (e.g., heart rate, blood oxygen level, etc.).

In one embodiment, the one or more sensors 102 includes a sensorconfigured to sense a characteristic of the subject 104 withoutphysically contacting the subject. For example, the sensor may beconfigured for an association with a chair, a pillow, or a gurney. Inone embodiment of this sensor, the sensor may include a sensorconfigured for a physical association with an article of clothing orgarment wearable by a subject and to sense a characteristic of thesubject without physically contacting the subject. In one embodiment ofthis sensor, the sensor may include a sensor configured for a physicalassociation with an object wearable by a subject and to sense acharacteristic of the subject without physically contacting the subject.For example, the sensor may be configured for a physical associationwith eye glasses or jewelry. For example, a sensor configured for aphysical association with an object wearable by a subject is describedby U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2006/0058694, Electrodynamic sensorsand applications thereof, to T. Clark et al.; WO 2003/048789,Electrodynamic sensors and applications thereof, by T. D. Clark et al.;or C. J. Harland et al., High resolution ambulatory electrocardiographicmonitoring using wrist-mounted electric potential sensors, 14 Meas. Sci.Technol. 923-928 (2003), each of which is incorporated herein byreference.

In one embodiment, the one or more sensors 102 include a sensor deviceconfigured to sense a characteristic of the subject 104 withoutphysically touching the subject. In one embodiment, the sensor deviceincludes a sensor device configured to sense a characteristic of asubject without a resistive contact with the subject. In one embodiment,the sensor device includes a sensor device configured to sense acharacteristic of a subject without an electrically conductive contactwith the subject. In one embodiment, the sensor device includes a sensordevice configured to sense a characteristic of a subject across anon-electrically conductive gap with the subject.

In one embodiment, the sensor device includes an electrodynamic sensordevice configured to sense an electrical activity of the heart of asubject without physically contacting the subject. For example, theelectrodynamic sensor may be configured to sense a heart rate,electrical activity of the heart, such as electrocardiography (ECG), orconductivity. An example of a high input impedance electrodynamic sensordevice configured to sense an electrical activity of a heart of asubject without physically contacting the subject is described in U.S.Patent Application Pub. No. 2006/0058694; WO 2003/048789, supra;Electrodynamic sensors and applications thereof, to T. Clark et al. Inone embodiment, the sensor device includes an adaptive electricpotential sensor device configured to sense a characteristic of asubject without physically contacting the subject. An example of anadaptive electric potential sensor device configured to sense acharacteristic of a subject without physically contacting the subject isdescribed in R. L. Prance et al., Adaptive Electric Potential Sensorsfor smart signal acquisition and processing, 76 Journal of Physics:Conference Series, 012025 (2007). In one embodiment, the sensor deviceincludes an electric potential probe sensor device configured to sense acharacteristic of a subject without physically contacting the subject.An example of an electric potential probe sensor device configured tosense a body electrical activity or signals, such as for examplearterial pulse or other body electrodynamics, of a subject withoutphysically contacting the subject is described in C. J. Harland et al.,Electric potential probes—new directions in the remote sensing of thehuman body, 13 Meas. Sci. Tech. 163-169 (2002).

In one embodiment, the one or more sensors 102 include a sensorconfigured to sense at least one of an electrical, acoustic, thermal,radiative, absorption, reflection, gaseous emission, or transmissibilitycharacteristic of the subject. In one embodiment, a thermalcharacteristic may include an infrared measured thermal characteristic.In one embodiment, a thermal characteristic may include microwave length(3-30 cm) electromagnetic radiation naturally emitted by the subject.For example, a sensor configured to sense a thermal characteristic ofthe subject includes a microwave radiometer operable to measure naturalelectromagnetic radiation from the subject's internal tissue in themicrowave range. In one embodiment, the microwave radiometer may becombined with an infrared sensor as described in R. Avagyan et al., Newdiagnostic methods in acupuncture, ICMART '99 International MedicalAcupuncture Symposium 7, Riga, (May 21-23, 1999), each of which isincorporated herein by reference. See also, Pub. No. WO 2006/091123(PCT/RU2006/000072), each of which is incorporated herein by reference.For example, a transmissibility characteristic may include a light orradio wave transmissibility characteristic. For example, in oneembodiment, a radiative characteristic may include gammas or other typesof radiation emitted by the body of the subject itself, for examplepotassium 40. An embodiment of a gamma-ray sensor device configured tosense a characteristic of a subject without physically contacting thesubject is expected to be provided by the Radtell™ passive gamma-raysensor by Oak Ridge National Laboratory of Oak Ridge, Tenn.

In one embodiment, a sensor 102 is operably coupled to one or moresensor control units 134. In one embodiment, the one or more sensorcontrol units 134 serve to regulate the activity of the one or moresensors 102. For example, in one embodiment, one or more sensor controlunits 134 regulate one or more times when the one or more sensors 102detect one or more signals from the subject that are related to one ormore characteristics of the subject. In one embodiment, the one or moresensor control units 134 regulate one or more time periods when one ormore sensors 102 detect one or more signals from the subject that arerelated to one or more characteristics of the subject. In oneembodiment, one or more sensor control units 104 are operably coupled toone or more detection processors 136.

In one embodiment, a sensor 102 is configured to wirelessly communicatesensed electrical signals originating from a subject. In one embodiment,a sensor 102 is electrically or optically coupled to the controlcircuitry to communicate the one or more signals thereto.

In one embodiment, a sensor 102 includes one or more sensor housings138. In one embodiment, one or more sensor housings 138 are operablycoupled with one or more detectors 136.

In one embodiment, numerous types of detectors 136 may be operablycoupled to the one or more sensors 102. In one embodiment, the one ormore sensors include at least one detector and reporter. In oneembodiment, numerous different types of detectors 136 are operablycoupled to one or more sensors 102. Examples of such detectors 136include, but are not limited to, electrodes, surface plasmon resonancedetectors, microelectromechanical systems detectors, microcantileverdetectors, nitric oxide detectors, osmotic detectors, relativity-baseddetectors, chemical detectors, pressure detectors, electrochemicaldetectors, piezoelectric detectors, pH detectors, hydrogel detectors,enzymatic detectors, ball integrated circuit detectors, affinityviscosimetric detectors, blood pressure detectors; metal detectors,glucose detectors, and the like (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,162,289;6,280,604; 5,603,820; 5,582,170; 6,287,452; 7,291,503; 6,764,446;7,168,294; 6,823,717; 7,205,701; 6,268,161; 4,703,756; 6,965,791;6,546,268; 6,210,326; 6,514,689; 6,234,973; 6,442,413; Tu et al.,Electroanalysis, 11:70-74 (1999), each of which is incorporated hereinby reference). In one embodiment, one or more detectors 136 areconfigured to detect one or more of pH, chemicals, or nerve signals fromthe subject.

In one embodiment, one or more sensor housings 144 include circuitrythat is operably coupled to one or more detectors 136. In oneembodiment, one or more sensor housings 144 include circuitry that isconfigured to facilitate elimination of one or more sacrificial layers.In one embodiment, one or more sensor housings 144 include circuitrythat is configured to be operably coupled to one or more sensor controlunits 134. In one embodiment, one or more sensor housings 144 includecircuitry that is configured to be operably coupled to one or moresensor power sources 115. In one embodiment, one or more sensor housings144 include circuitry that is configured to be operably coupled to oneor more sensor receivers 106. In one embodiment, one or more sensorhousings 144 include circuitry that is configured to be operably coupledto one or more sensor transmitters 110.

In one embodiment, a sensor 102 includes one or more sensor powersources 115 (including but not limited to batteries). In one embodiment,a sensor 102 is operably coupled to one or more sensor batteries 115. Inone embodiment, a sensor battery 115 includes a thin-film fuel cell suchas a solid oxide type (SOFC), a solid polymer type (SPFC), a protonexchange membrane type (PEMFC), and/or substantially any combinationthereof. Methods to fabricate such thin-film fuel cells are known andhave been described (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,189,471, incorporated hereinby reference). In one embodiment, one or more sensor batteries 115include one or more storage films that are configured for energy storageand energy conversion. Methods to fabricate such storage films are knownand have been described (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,238,628, incorporatedherein by reference). In one embodiment, a sensor battery 115 is abiobased battery (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,994,934, incorporated herein byreference). In one embodiment, one or more sensor batteries 115 arethin-film batteries. Methods to fabricate thin-film batteries, includingthin film microbatteries, are known and have been described (e.g., U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,338,625, 7,194,801; 7,144,655; 6,818,356, incorporatedherein by reference). In one embodiment, one or more sensorelectromagnetic receivers (not shown) are used to electromagneticallycouple power to energize one or more sensors 102 from an external powersource 115. Methods to construct electromagnetic receivers have beendescribed (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,152), incorporated herein byreference. In one embodiment, the receiver and/or transmitter are notpart of the sensor.

In one embodiment, the system 100 includes one or more sensortransmitters 110. Numerous types of transmitters 110 can be used inassociation with system 100. Examples of such transmitters 110 include,but are not limited to, transmitters that transmit one or more acousticsignals, optical signals, radio signals, wireless signals, hardwiredsignals, infrared signals, ultrasonic signals, and the like (e.g., U.S.Pat. Nos. RE39,785; 7,260,768; 7,260,764; 7,260,402; 7,257,327;7,215,887; 7,218,900), each of which is incorporated herein byreference. In one embodiment, one or more sensor transmitters 110 maytransmit one or more signals that are encrypted. Numerous types oftransmitters are known and have been described (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos.7,236,595; 7,260,155; 7,227,956; US2006/0280307), incorporated herein byreference.

In one embodiment, the system 100 includes one or more sensor receivers106. Numerous types of sensor receivers 106 may be used in associationwith system 100. Examples of such sensor receivers 106 include, but arenot limited to, receivers that receive one or more acoustic signals,optical signals, radio signals, wireless signals, hardwired signals,infrared signals, ultrasonic signals, and the like. Such receivers 106are known and have been described (e.g., U.S. Patent Nos.: RE39,785;7,218,900; 7,254,160; 7,245,894; 7,206,605), incorporated herein byreference.

In one embodiment, the system includes at least one computing processorthat utilizes at least one set of instructions derived from mathematicaltrends such as queuing theory. For example, the theory of mathematicalqueuing allows for derivation and calculation of several performancemeasures including the average wait time in the queue or the system, theexpected number waiting or receiving service, and probability ofencountering the system in various states (e.g., empty, full, having anavailable server or having to wait a certain amount of time to beserved). In addition, useful queuing modeling can be based on thePoisson process and its companion exponential probability distribution,which mimics the response of the system being modeled to those sameinputs.

Various statistical programs or computer algorithms for simulatingsystems may be implemented with various embodiments described herein.For example, ANOVA, Monte Carlo, etc., and other programs may beimplemented.

In one embodiment, a signal can be an external signal 188. Examples ofsuch signals include, but are not limited to, analog signals, digitalsignals, acoustic signals, optical signals, radio signals, wirelesssignals, hardwired signals, infrared signals, ultrasonic signals, andthe like. In one embodiment, one or more signals may not be encrypted.In one embodiment, one or more signals may be encrypted. In oneembodiment, one or more signals may be sent through use of a secure modeof transmission. In one embodiment, one or more signals may be coded forreceipt by a specific subject. In one embodiment, such code may includeanonymous code that is specific for a subject. Accordingly, informationincluded within one or more signals may be protected against beingaccessed by others who are not the intended recipient.

As shown in FIG. 2, in one embodiment describing methods, systems, andcomputer program products described herein, one or more subjects areassessed in a healthcare facility, depending on each subject's healthcondition. The data from each of the subjects is collected and comparedwith all other subjects awaiting medical treatment. Each subject isassigned a Queue Status Indicator based on the Criticality Value of eachsubject compared with the rest of the subjects awaiting treatment, andin one embodiment, an optional indicator locates the most criticalsubject waiting treatment.

In one embodiment, at least one dataset described herein includes adynamic data structure. In one embodiment, at least one datasetdescribed herein includes a static data structure. In one embodiment, asubject is assessed based on queries of a Characteristic Value dataset.In one embodiment, the Characteristic Value query includes at least oneof a DCQ, observed or sensed characteristic, or input based on thesubject's health history or health records. In one embodiment, theCharacteristic Value query includes a survey from an input/outputdevice, for example. In one embodiment, the survey can be in anylanguage, or in pictorial or other form. In one embodiment, the surveyincludes skip logic, or conditional branching, that allows for thesurvey to be customized for the subject based on the subject's previousresponses. For example, if a subject's first query includes askingwhether the subject is male or female, and the subject answers “female,”then the survey skip logic rules could be such that it forces thesubject to skip questions related to exclusively male symptoms orconditions.

In one embodiment, a particular Characteristic Value is coupled to theCriticality Value more tightly than another particular CharacteristicValue. For example, a heavier weight might be given to a tightly coupledCharacteristic Value (e.g., heart rate, respiration, etc.). In oneembodiment, one or more Characteristic Values are weighted heavier, thusgenerating a higher Criticality Value when included in the subject'sresponse, and elevating the subject in the queue. For example, a heavierweight can be given to a characteristic that is sensed or present in thesubject's health records, and a lesser weight to a self-reportedcharacteristic, particularly when the data collected appears to becontradictory or inconsistent.

As shown in FIG. 3, the dynamic dataset described as part of oneembodiment of the systems, methods, and computer program productsdescribed herein, a first subject is assessed and enters the queue. TheQueue Status Indicator of each subject indicates the sequential order inwhich subjects will receive medical attention. As described, the QueueStatus Indicator numerical value is based on the Criticality Valuedataset, which in turn is based on the assessment of one or morecharacteristics of each subject. In one embodiment, if a subject'sCriticality Value is above a threshold that requires continuous orintermittent monitoring, and the subject's Criticality Value increases,the QSI dataset is updated, and the subject immediately receives ahigher Queue Status Indicator.

As indicated by the asterisk (*) in FIG. 3, a subject who has a suddenincrease in Criticality Value has a corresponding increase in his or herQueue Status Indicator and advances in the queue. In the case where thesubject's Queue Status Indicator changes dramatically, the subject maybe eligible for immediate treatment or next in line medical treatment.

In one embodiment, when a subject has been assessed and assigned a QSI,and the subject's Criticality Value decreases, the updated CriticalityValue dataset and updated QSI dataset re-assign a QSI based on thedecreased Criticality Value, which may place the subject in a lower orlater sequential order compared with the other subjects in the queue.Likewise, when a subject receives medical attention, his or herCriticality Value(s) and QSI are removed from the respective datasets,updating optionally in real time.

As shown in FIG. 4, the system 102 includes a computing device 112 withoptionally one or more of a receiver 106, transceiver 108, transmitter110, memory 116, or power source 115. In one embodiment, as described,the dynamic dataset includes a compilation of data from each assessedsubject in the queue. For example, Subject #1 is assessed, generatingXYZ data (one or more Characteristic Values based on one or moreassessed characteristics of the subject), which provide the basis forgeneration of a Criticality Value for Subject #1 based on theCriticality Value dataset, the XYZ data enters the Criticality Valuedataset. Since the Criticality Value dataset was previously empty (orhad zero value), the subject is assigned a Queue Status Indicator (inthis case #1) accordingly.

Next, Subject #2 is assessed, generating ABC data (one or moreCharacteristic Values based on one or more assessed characteristics ofthe subject), which provides the basis for generation of a CriticalityValue for the subject based on comparison with the Criticality Valuedataset, as ABC data enters the Criticality Value dataset. The data fromSubject #2 is compared with the other data in the Criticality Valuedataset and the subject is assigned a Queue Status Indicatoraccordingly.

Finally, Subject #3 is assessed, generating VQF data (one or moreCharacteristic Values based on one or more assessed characteristics ofthe subject), which provides the basis for generation of a CriticalityValue for the subject based on comparison with the Criticality Valuedataset, as VQF data enters the Criticality Value dataset. The data fromSubject #3 is compared with the other data in the Criticality Valuedataset and the subject is assigned a Queue Status Indicator accordingto where the subject's Criticality Value ranks with the other subjects'Criticality Values in the dataset.

Addition to the dataset of any number of data from assessed subjects inthe queue can cause a shift in the previously assigned Queue StatusIndicator of any subject, depending on the Queue Status Indicatorassigned to the added subject(s). Likewise, at the time a subjectreceives medical attention, his or her QSI and Criticality Value dataare removed from the respective datasets. Such removal of data canresult in a shift in the remaining subjects' Criticality Value(s) andQSI, in response to the dynamic dataset changes.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment that includes a system 155 includingat least one computing device 100. The computing device can take variousforms or be part of an object, such as a limited resource computingdevice, a wireless communication device, a mobile wireless communicationdevice, an electronic pen, a handheld electronic writing device, adigital camera, a scanner, an ultrasound device, an x-ray machine, anon-invasive imaging device, a cell phone, a PDA, an electronic tabletdevice, a medical apparatus (implantable or otherwise), a printer, acar, and an airplane.

The computing device 100 is operably connected to at least oneinput/output device (see other Figures) for which the subject 104 caninteract. For example, in an embodiment, the system 155 includes anaccepting unit 119, which interacts with a user 118 (can beself-reported information, sensed information, or information obtainedfrom health history records or family members, etc. given to a healthcare worker) that causes the input 111. In addition, if one or moresensors are employed, information is sensed 113. The system 155 furtherincludes a comparator for the Characteristic Value dataset 114, which isoperably coupled to electronic health records or family health history115. In an embodiment, the system 155 further includes at least oneGenerating Unit 117 for one or more Characteristic Values for thesubject. In an embodiment, the system 155 includes a Comparator 123 forthe Criticality Value Dataset and a Generating Unit for CriticalityValue(s) 119. In an embodiment, the system 155 includes an AssigningQueue Indicator Status Unit 125, and output 129.

FIG. 6 indicates an embodiment in which Subject #1 provides a responsethat generates a Characteristic Value dataset (can be static ordynamic), based on one or more queries, for example. From theCharacteristic Value dataset, the Subject #1's Criticality Value Basedon Characteristic Values and optionally health history/records aredetermined. As shown, if one or more of a subject's CharacteristicValues exceeds a [predetermined] threshold, one or more of the subject'sCharacteristic Values are monitored as additional queries, or thesubject's Criticality Value is automatically elevated above the highestCriticality Value in the dataset, causing the subject to receive thehighest Queue Status Indicator of all assessed subjects awaiting medicalattention.

Next, if a subject's Criticality Value exceeds a [predetermined]threshold, one or more Characteristic Values monitored for change, orthe subject's Criticality Value is automatically elevated above thehighest Criticality Value in the dataset, causing the subject to receivethe highest queue status indicator of all assessed subjects awaitingmedical attention. In an embodiment, once the subject's CriticalityValue has been determined, the Criticality Value is compared with theCriticality Value dataset based on Criticality Values of all assessedsubjects awaiting medical attention. Next, the Queue Status Indicator ofeach subject with a Criticality Value in the Criticality Value datasetis determined. Then a subject receives medical attention and itsCritical Value is removed from the Criticality Value dataset.

FIG. 7 illustrates an input/output device 700 operably coupled with acomputing device 720 that includes a processing unit 721, a systemmemory 722, and a system bus 723 that couples various system componentsincluding the system memory 722 to the processing unit 721. The systembus 723 may be any of several types of bus structures including a memorybus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any ofa variety of bus architectures. The system bus 723 may be any of severaltypes of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, aperipheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of busarchitectures. By way of example, and not limitation, such architecturesinclude Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro ChannelArchitecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video ElectronicsStandards Association (VESA) local bus, and Peripheral ComponentInterconnect (PCI) bus, also known as Mezzanine bus. The system memoryincludes read-only memory (ROM) 724 and random access memory (RAM) 725.A basic input/output system (BIOS) 726, containing the basic routinesthat help to transfer information between sub-components within the thincomputing device 720, such as during start-up, is stored in the ROM 724.A number of program modules may be stored in the ROM 724 or RAM 725,including an operating system 728, one or more application programs 729,other program modules 730 and program data 731.

A user may enter commands and information into the computing device 720through input devices, such as a number of switches and buttons,illustrated as hardware buttons 744, connected to the system via asuitable interface 745. Input devices may further include atouch-sensitive display with suitable input detection circuitry,illustrated as a display 732 and screen input detector 733. The outputcircuitry of the touch-sensitive display 732 is connected to the systembus 723 via a video driver 737. Other input devices may include amicrophone 734 connected through a suitable audio interface 735, and aphysical hardware keyboard (not shown). Output devices may include atleast one the display 732, or a projector display 736.

In addition to the display 732, the computing device 720 may includeother peripheral output devices, such as at least one speaker 738. Otherexternal input or output devices 739, such as a joystick, game pad,satellite dish, scanner or the like may be connected to the processingunit 721 through a USB port 740 and USB port interface 741, to thesystem bus 723. Alternatively, the other external input and outputdevices 739 may be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallelport, game port or other port. The computing device 720 may furtherinclude or be capable of connecting to a flash card memory (not shown)through an appropriate connection port (not shown). The computing device720 may further include or be capable of connecting with a networkthrough a network port 742 and network interface 743, and throughwireless port 746 and corresponding wireless interface 747 may beprovided to facilitate communication with other peripheral devices,including other computers, printers, and so on (not shown). It will beappreciated that the various components and connections shown areexamples and other components and means of establishing communicationlinks may be used.

The computing device 720 may be designed to include a user interface.The user interface may include a character, a key-based, or another userdata input via the touch sensitive display 732. The user interface mayinclude using a stylus (not shown). Moreover, the user interface is notlimited to an actual touch-sensitive panel arranged for directlyreceiving input, but may alternatively or in addition respond to anotherinput device such as the microphone 734. For example, spoken words maybe received at the microphone 734 and recognized. Alternatively, thecomputing device 720 may be designed to include a user interface havinga physical keyboard (not shown).

In certain instances, one or more components of the computing device 720may be deemed not necessary and omitted. In other instances, one or moreother components may be deemed necessary and added to the computingdevice.

In certain instances, the computing system typically includes a varietyof computer-readable media products. Computer-readable media may includeany media that can be accessed by the computing device 720 and includeboth volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media.By way of example, and not of limitation, computer-readable media mayinclude computer storage media. By way of further example, and not oflimitation, computer-readable media may include a communication media.

Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable andnon-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storageof information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures,program modules, or other data. Computer storage media includes, but isnot limited to, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM),electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flashmemory, or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks(DVD), or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape,magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, or any othermedium which can be used to store the desired information and which canbe accessed by the computing device 720. In a further embodiment, acomputer storage media may include a group of computer storage mediadevices. In another embodiment, a computer storage media may include aninformation store. In another embodiment, an information store mayinclude a quantum memory, a photonic quantum memory, or atomic quantummemory. Combinations of any of the above may also be included within thescope of computer-readable media.

Communication media may typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includeany information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example,and not limitation, communication media include wired media, such as awired network and a direct-wired connection, and wireless media such asacoustic, RF, optical, and infrared media.

The computing device 720 may also include other removable/non-removable,volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media products. For example, suchmedia includes a non-removable non-volatile memory interface (hard diskinterface) 745 reads from and writes for example to non-removable,non-volatile magnetic media, or a removable non-volatile memoryinterface 750 that, for example, is coupled to a magnetic disk drive 751that reads from and writes to a removable, non-volatile magnetic disk752, or is coupled to an optical disk drive 755 that reads from andwrites to a removable, non-volatile optical disk 756, such as a CD ROM.Other removable/nonremovable, volatile/non-volatile computer storagemedia that can be used in the example operating environment include, butare not limited to, magnetic tape cassettes, memory cards, flash memorycards, DVDs, digital video tape, solid state RAM, and solid state ROM.The hard disk drive 757 is typically connected to the system bus 723through a non-removable memory interface, such as the interface 745, andmagnetic disk drive 751 and optical disk drive 755 are typicallyconnected to the system bus 723 by a removable non-volatile memoryinterface, such as interface 750.

The drives and their associated computer storage media discussed aboveprovide storage of computer-readable instructions, data structures,program modules, and other data for the computing device 720.

A user may enter commands and information into the computing device 720through input devices such as a microphone, keyboard, or pointingdevice, commonly referred to as a mouse, trackball, or touch pad. Otherinput devices (not shown) may include at least one of a touch sensitivedisplay, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, and scanner. These andother input devices are often connected to the processing unit through auser input interface that is coupled to the system bus, but may beconnected by other interface and bus structures, such as a parallelport, game port, or a universal serial bus (USB).

The computing system may operate in a networked environment usinglogical connections to one or more remote computers, such as a remotecomputer 780. The remote computer 780 may be a personal computer, aserver, a router, a network PC, a peer device, or other common networknode, and typically includes many or all of the elements described aboverelative to the computing device 720, although only a memory storagedevice. The network logical connections include a local area network(LAN) and a wide area network (WAN), and may also include other networkssuch as a personal area network (PAN) (not shown). Such networkingenvironments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computernetworks, intranets, and the Internet.

When used in a networking environment, the computing system is connectedto the network 771 through a network interface, such as the networkinterface 770, the modem 772, or the wireless interface 793. The networkmay include a LAN network environment, or a WAN network environment,such as the Internet. In a networked environment, program modulesdepicted relative to the computing device 720, or portions thereof, maybe stored in a remote memory storage device. By way of example, and notlimitation, remote application programs 785 as residing on computermedium 781. It will be appreciated that the network connections shownare examples and other means of establishing communication link betweenthe computers may be used.

In certain instances, one or more elements of the computing device 720may be deemed not necessary and omitted. In other instances, one or moreother components may be deemed necessary and added to the computingdevice 720.

The signal generator 790 includes a signal generator configured togenerate a signal indicative of the sensed characteristic of thesubject. In one embodiment, the signal may include a raw data signal,i.e., a capacitance measurement, a change in position of skin overartery in the neck, an acoustic pressure, or a brain electrical activityof the subject. In one embodiment, the signal generator may include aprocessor circuit 792, a treatment regimen circuit 794, a treatmentdecision circuit 796, or a communications circuit 798. In oneembodiment, the communications circuit may be operable to communicateusing an electrical conductor or using a wireless transmission. In oneembodiment, the signal generator may include an instance of the thincomputing device 720 and the processor circuit may be the processingunit 721.

In one embodiment, the system actively monitors (e.g., detects, tracks,etc.) a subject 104 located by using at least one of computerized axialtomography, fiber optic thermometry, infrared thermography, magneticresonance imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, microwavethermography, microwave dielectric spectroscopy, positron emissiontomography, ultrasound reflectometry, spectroscopic imaging, visualimaging, infrared imaging, single photon emission computed tomography,or the like.

In one embodiment, the system includes a subject tracking system (notshown in figures). For example, in one embodiment, the system includes asubject tracking system for updating in real time a subject's virtuallocation in a virtual space corresponding to the physical location ofthe subject in a physical space, such as a healthcare facility orwaiting room. In one embodiment, the subject tracking system includes anoptical recognition distributed sensor network that generatesCriticality Value based in part on the continuous monitoring of theoverall physical condition of the subject, including subject'smovements, gait, etc.

All of the above U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications,U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applicationsand non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/orlisted in any Application Data Sheet, are incorporated herein byreference, to the extent not inconsistent herewith. Those having skillin the art will recognize that the state of the art has progressed tothe point where there is little distinction left between hardware,software, and/or firmware implementations of aspects of systems; the useof hardware, software, and/or firmware is generally (but not always, inthat in certain contexts the choice between hardware and software canbecome significant) a design choice representing cost vs. efficiencytradeoffs. Those having skill in the art will appreciate that there arevarious vehicles by which processes and/or systems and/or othertechnologies described herein can be effected (e.g., hardware, software,and/or firmware), and that the preferred vehicle will vary with thecontext in which the processes and/or systems and/or other technologiesare deployed. For example, if an implementer determines that speed andaccuracy are paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly hardwareand/or firmware vehicle; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, theimplementer may opt for a mainly software implementation; or, yet againalternatively, the implementer may opt for some combination of hardware,software, and/or firmware. Hence, there are several possible vehicles bywhich the processes and/or devices and/or other technologies describedherein may be effected, none of which is inherently superior to theother in that any vehicle to be utilized is a choice dependent upon thecontext in which the vehicle will be deployed and the specific concerns(e.g., speed, flexibility, or predictability) of the implementer, any ofwhich may vary. Those skilled in the art will recognize that opticalaspects of implementations will typically employ optically-orientedhardware, software, and or firmware.

In some implementations described herein, logic and similarimplementations may include software or other control structuressuitable to operation. Electronic circuitry, for example, may manifestone or more paths of electrical current constructed and arranged toimplement various logic functions as described herein. In someimplementations, one or more media are configured to bear adevice-detectable implementation if such media hold or transmit aspecial-purpose device instruction set operable to perform as describedherein. In some variants, for example, this may manifest as an update orother modification of existing software or firmware, or of gate arraysor other programmable hardware, such as by performing a reception of ora transmission of one or more instructions in relation to one or moreoperations described herein. Alternatively or additionally, in somevariants, an implementation may include special-purpose hardware,software, firmware components, and/or general-purpose componentsexecuting or otherwise invoking special-purpose components.Specifications or other implementations may be transmitted by one ormore instances of tangible transmission media as described herein,optionally by packet transmission or otherwise by passing throughdistributed media at various times.

Alternatively or additionally, implementations may include executing aspecial-purpose instruction sequence or otherwise invoking circuitry forenabling, triggering, coordinating, requesting, or otherwise causing oneor more occurrences of any functional operations described above. Insome variants, operational or other logical descriptions herein may beexpressed directly as source code and compiled or otherwise invoked asan executable instruction sequence. In some contexts, for example, C++or other code sequences can be compiled directly or otherwiseimplemented in high-level descriptor languages (e.g., alogic-synthesizable language, a hardware description language, ahardware design simulation, and/or other such similar mode(s) ofexpression). Alternatively or additionally, some or all of the logicalexpression may be manifested as a Verilog-type hardware description orother circuitry model before physical implementation in hardware,especially for basic operations or timing-critical applications. Thoseskilled in the art will recognize how to obtain, configure, and optimizesuitable transmission or computational elements, material supplies,actuators, or other common structures in light of these teachings.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments ofthe devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts,and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/orexamples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will beunderstood by those within the art that each function and/or operationwithin such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented,subjectively and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software,firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment,several portions of the subject matter described herein may beimplemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), FieldProgrammable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), orother integrated formats. However, those skilled in the art willrecognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, inwhole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in integratedcircuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or morecomputers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computersystems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors(e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors),as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designingthe circuitry and/or writing the code for the software and or firmwarewould be well within the skill of one of skill in the art in light ofthis disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capableof being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, andthat an illustrative embodiment of the subject matter described hereinapplies regardless of the particular type of signal bearing medium usedto actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signal bearingmedium include, but are not limited to, the following: a recordable typemedium such as a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), aDigital Video Disk (DVD), a digital tape, a computer memory, etc.; and atransmission type medium such as a digital and/or an analogcommunication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wiredcommunications link, a wireless communication link (e.g., transmitter,receiver, transmission logic, reception logic, etc.), etc.).

In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that thevarious embodiments described herein can be implemented, subjectivelyand/or collectively, by various types of electro-mechanical systemshaving a wide range of electrical components such as hardware, software,firmware, and/or virtually any combination thereof; and a wide range ofcomponents that may impart mechanical force or motion such as rigidbodies, spring or torsional bodies, hydraulics, electro-magneticallyactuated devices, and/or virtually any combination thereof.Consequently, as used herein “electro-mechanical system” includes, butis not limited to, electrical circuitry operably coupled with atransducer (e.g., an actuator, a motor, a piezoelectric crystal, a MicroElectro Mechanical System (MEMS), etc.), electrical circuitry having atleast one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having atleast one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least oneapplication specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming ageneral purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g.,a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which atleast partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein,or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at leastpartially carries out processes and/or devices described herein),electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of memory(e.g., random access, flash, read only, etc.)), electrical circuitryforming a communications device (e.g., a modem, communications switch,optical-electrical equipment, etc.), and/or any non-electrical analogthereto, such as optical or other analogs. Those skilled in the art willalso appreciate that examples of electro-mechanical systems include butare not limited to a variety of consumer electronics systems, medicaldevices, as well as other systems such as motorized transport systems,factory automation systems, security systems, and/orcommunication/computing systems. Those skilled in the art will recognizethat electro-mechanical as used herein is not necessarily limited to asystem that has both electrical and mechanical actuation except ascontext may dictate otherwise.

In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that thevarious aspects described herein which can be implemented, subjectivelyand/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware,and/or any combination thereof can be viewed as being composed ofvarious types of “electrical circuitry.” Consequently, as used herein“electrical circuitry” includes, but is not limited to, electricalcircuitry having at least one discrete electrical circuit, electricalcircuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitryhaving at least one application specific integrated circuit, electricalcircuitry forming a general purpose computing device configured by acomputer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by acomputer program which at least partially carries out processes and/ordevices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computerprogram which at least partially carries out processes and/or devicesdescribed herein), electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g.,forms of memory (e.g., random access, flash, read only, etc.)), and/orelectrical circuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem,communications switch, optical-electrical equipment, etc.). Those havingskill in the art will recognize that the subject matter described hereinmay be implemented in an analog or digital fashion or some combinationthereof.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that at least a portion of thedevices and/or processes described herein can be integrated into animage processing system. Those having skill in the art will recognizethat a typical image processing system generally includes one or more ofa system unit housing, a video display device, memory such as volatileor non-volatile memory, processors such as microprocessors or digitalsignal processors, computational entities such as operating systems,drivers, applications programs, one or more interaction devices (e.g., atouch pad, a touch screen, an antenna, etc.), control systems includingfeedback loops and control motors (e.g., feedback for sensing lensposition and/or velocity; control motors for moving/distorting lenses togive desired focuses). An image processing system may be implementedutilizing suitable commercially available components, such as thosetypically found in digital still systems and/or digital motion systems.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that at least a portion of thedevices and/or processes described herein can be integrated into a dataprocessing system. Those having skill in the art will recognize that adata processing system generally includes one or more of a system unithousing, a video display device, memory such as volatile or non-volatilememory, processors such as microprocessors or digital signal processors,computational entities such as operating systems, drivers, graphicaluser interfaces, and applications programs, one or more interactiondevices (e.g., a touch pad, a touch screen, an antenna, etc.), and/orcontrol systems including feedback loops and control motors (e.g.,feedback for sensing position and/or velocity; control motors for movingand/or adjusting components and/or quantities). A data processing systemmay be implemented utilizing suitable commercially available components,such as those typically found in data computing/communication and/ornetwork computing/communication systems.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that at least a portion of thedevices and/or processes described herein can be integrated into a motesystem. Those having skill in the art will recognize that a typical motesystem generally includes one or more memories such as volatile ornon-volatile memories, processors such as microprocessors or digitalsignal processors, computational entities such as operating systems,user interfaces, drivers, sensors, actuators, applications programs, oneor more interaction devices (e.g., an antenna USB ports, acoustic ports,etc.), control systems including feedback loops and control motors(e.g., feedback for sensing or estimating position and/or velocity;control motors for moving and/or adjusting components and/orquantities). A mote system may be implemented utilizing suitablecomponents, such as those found in mote computing/communication systems.Specific examples of such components entail such as Intel Corporation'sand/or Crossbow Corporation's mote components and supporting hardware,software, and/or firmware.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is common within the artto implement devices and/or processes and/or systems, and thereafter useengineering and/or other practices to integrate such implemented devicesand/or processes and/or systems into more comprehensive devices and/orprocesses and/or systems. That is, at least a portion of the devicesand/or processes and/or systems described herein can be integrated intoother devices and/or processes and/or systems via a reasonable amount ofexperimentation. Those having skill in the art will recognize thatexamples of such other devices and/or processes and/or systems mightinclude—as appropriate to context and application—all or part of devicesand/or processes and/or systems of (a) an air conveyance (e.g., anairplane, rocket, helicopter, etc.), (b) a ground conveyance (e.g., acar, truck, locomotive, tank, armored personnel carrier, etc.), (c) abuilding (e.g., a home, warehouse, office, etc.), (d) an appliance(e.g., a refrigerator, a washing machine, a dryer, etc.), (e) acommunications system (e.g., a networked system, a telephone system, aVoice over IP system, etc.), (f) a business entity (e.g., an InternetService Provider (ISP) entity such as Comcast Cable, Qwest, SouthwesternBell, etc.), or (g) a wired/wireless services entity (e.g., Sprint,Cingular, Nextel, etc.), etc.

In certain cases, use of a system or method may occur in a territoryeven if components are located outside the territory. For example, in adistributed computing context, use of a distributed computing system mayoccur in a territory even though parts of the system may be locatedoutside of the territory (e.g., relay, server, processor, signal-bearingmedium, transmitting computer, receiving computer, etc. located outsidethe territory). A sale of a system or method may likewise occur in aterritory even if components of the system or method are located and/orused outside the territory.

Further, implementation of at least part of a system for performing amethod in one territory does not preclude use of the system in anotherterritory.

One skilled in the art will recognize that the herein describedcomponents (e.g., operations), devices, objects, and the discussionaccompanying them are used as examples for the sake of conceptualclarity and that various configuration modifications are contemplated.Consequently, as used herein, the specific exemplars set forth and theaccompanying discussion are intended to be representative of their moregeneral classes. In general, use of any specific exemplar is intended tobe representative of its class, and the non-inclusion of specificcomponents (e.g., operations), devices, and objects should not be takenlimiting.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a user may berepresentative of a human user, a robotic user (e.g., computationalentity), and/or substantially any combination thereof (e.g., a user maybe assisted by one or more robotic agents) unless context dictatesotherwise.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations are not expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity.

The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates differentcomponents contained within, or connected with, different othercomponents. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures aremerely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures may beimplemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense,any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality iseffectively “associated” such that the desired functionality isachieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve aparticular functionality can be seen as “operably coupled to” each othersuch that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective ofarchitectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components soassociated can also be viewed as being “operably connected”, or“operably coupled”, to each other to achieve the desired functionality,and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewedas being “operably couplable”, to each other to achieve the desiredfunctionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but arenot limited to physically mateable and/or physically interactingcomponents, and/or wirelessly interactable, and/or wirelesslyinteracting components, and/or logically interacting, and/or logicallyinteractable components.

In some instances, one or more components may be referred to herein as“configured to,” “configurable to,” “operable/operative to,”“adapted/adaptable,” “able to,” “conformable/conformed to,” etc. Thoseskilled in the art will recognize that “configured to” can generallyencompass active-state components and/or inactive-state componentsand/or standby-state components, unless context requires otherwise.

While particular aspects of the present subject matter described hereinhave been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled inthe art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modificationsmay be made without departing from the subject matter described hereinand its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are toencompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as arewithin the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, termsused herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of theappended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term“including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” theterm “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term“includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,”etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if aspecific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such anintent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence ofsuch recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid tounderstanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of theintroductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claimrecitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed toimply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinitearticles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing suchintroduced claim recitation to claims containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “atleast one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use ofdefinite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, evenif a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitlyrecited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitationshould typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number(e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without othermodifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or morerecitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a conventionanalogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in generalsuch a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the artwould understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one ofA, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have Aalone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where aconvention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, ingeneral such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill inthe art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at leastone of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that haveA alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be furtherunderstood by those within the art that typically a disjunctive wordand/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in thedescription, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplatethe possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, orboth terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be typicallyunderstood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art willappreciate that recited operations therein may generally be performed inany order. Also, although various operational flows are presented in asequence(s), it should be understood that the various operations may beperformed in other orders than those which are illustrated, or may beperformed concurrently. Examples of such alternate orderings may includeoverlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental,preparatory, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or other variantorderings, unless context dictates otherwise. Furthermore, terms like“responsive to,” “related to,” or other past-tense adjectives aregenerally not intended to exclude such variants, unless context dictatesotherwise.

Various non-limiting embodiments are described herein as PropheticExamples.

Prophetic Example 1 Automatic Patient Data Collection System forEmergency Department Waiting Room

An automatic data collection system is constructed in an emergencydepartment waiting room and used to prioritize the patients forreceiving medical attention by ranking each subject with a Queue StatusIndicator (QSI). A prospective patient is registered upon entering thewaiting room by interaction with a touch screen computer (e.g., iPad2from Apple, Inc., Cupertino, Calif.) and a fingerprint sensor (e.g.,Lumidigm Venus fingerprint sensor from Lumidigm Inc., Albuquerque, N.Mex.; see Lumidigm Venus Datasheet which is incorporated herein byreference). The computer is programmed to interact verbally and by touchwith the patient. The patient is prompted to touch the fingerprintsensor and the fingerprint data is compared to a database (which may besite wide [health care center, hospital, etc.], citywide, statewide ornationwide) of patient medical records. If no matching medical record isfound, the computer queries the patient by voice and “on-the-screen” toobtain registration information and to create a new medical record forthe patient that includes the fingerprint data. Any verbal informationprovided by the patient is displayed on the computer screen andconfirmed by touching the screen. The touch screen computer also has acamera to record the height of the patient and a facial photograph,which are also transmitted to a central computer and recorded in themedical record. If the patient has a pre-existing medical record, thepatient may be queried by the computer to update the medical record. Forexample, the patient's current address, phone number and insurancecoverage may be verified. The computer also asks the patient to choosebetween automated physiologic data collection and non-automated datacollection. If the patient chooses automated data collection then adesignated chair in the waiting room is activated, and the patient isdirected to sit in the chair designated by a flashing light.

The designated chair in the waiting room contains interacting sensors toverify the patient's identity and to measure and record physiologicalparameters of the patient. When the patient sits down, the patient isprompted by a flashing light to touch a fingerprint sensor on the chair(sensor may be directly touching the subject). Once the patient touchesthe screen or otherwise engages the system, the available space flashinglight indicator stops. Recognition of the patient's fingerprint by acentral computer results in successive activation of sensors todetermine the patient's weight, electrocardiogram, heart rate,respiration rate, temperature, and blood oxygen level. The patient'sweight is determined by an electronic scale under the chair, whichautomatically transmits the weight and date to a central computercontaining the patient's medical record(s). The patient'selectrocardiogram is determined by electric potential sensors, which maybe placed 1 meter apart on opposite sides of the chair (not directlytouching the subject). Nonconductive electric potential sensors todetermine a patient's electrocardiogram are described (see e.g., Harlandet al., Meas. Sci. Technol. 13, 163-169, 2002, which is incorporatedherein by reference). The patient's respiration rate and heart rate maybe determined by a remote sensor that detects physiological activitiesby illuminating the patient with radio frequency (RF) electromagneticsignals and detecting the reflected electromagnetic signal waves. Thesensor may be incorporated in the back of the chair. A remote sensor todetect respiration and heart rate is described (see e.g., U.S. Pat. No.7,272,431, which is incorporated herein by reference). The patient'sbody temperature is determined by thermal imaging with a radiometriccamera (e.g., a 7320 ETIP camera available from Infrared Cameras, Inc.,Beaumont, Tex.; see Spec. Sheet IR camera, which is incorporated hereinby reference). The infrared camera is installed in the wall in front ofthe patient's chair and focused on the patient's forehead or eyes.Devices and methods to determine core body temperature noninvasively andremotely are described (see e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,340,293, which isincorporated herein by reference).

The patient's hematocrit and blood oxygen concentration are determinedby a photoplethysmograph device on the armrest of the chair. A systemwith a finger clip emits and detects different wavelengths of lightthrough the tissue of the finger (see e.g., Shaltis, et al., Conf. Proc.IEEE Eng. Med. Biol. Soc. 4: 3567-3570, 2005, which is incorporatedherein by reference). The extinction of selected wavelengths of light isdetected and may be used to determine the hematocrit and the bloodoxygen saturation value. For example, a system and method to measurehematocrit and blood oxygenation by transilluminating the patient'sfinger with light at wavelengths of 660 nm, 805 nm and 1550 nm isdescribed (see e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,136, which is incorporatedherein by reference). The biometric and physiological parametersdetermined remotely by the automatic data collection system in thewaiting room are transmitted wirelessly to a central computer thatcommunicates with health information databases (e.g., Kaiser Permanenteelectronic health records may be accessed using EpicCare software fromEpic Systems Corp, Verona, Wis.; and Centers for Disease Control, Dataand Statistics are available online at: cdc.gov/datastatistics, thesubject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference). Wirelesssensor networks for aggregating and transmitting physiological data to acentral computer are described (see e.g., Gao et al., Proc. IEEE Conf.Technologies for Homeland Security, pp. 187-192, 2008, which is includedherein by reference).

The automatic data collection system includes computer programs andmethods to compare the patient's physiological parameters to parametersobtained, for example, from healthy individuals, to the patient'smedical history, and most importantly, to the dataset obtained from eachprospective patient that enters the emergency department waiting room.The system includes a central computer with programs to compare datasetsfrom the emergency room patients and prioritize the patients for medicalattention. Computer programs to evaluate and compare physiologicaldatasets are described (see e.g., the paper titled: OSCAR-MDA AnArtificially Intelligent Advisor for Emergency Room Medicine by John L.Pollock and Devin Hosea printed on Oct. 18, 2011 and available online atciteseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.49.4970&rep=rep&type=pdfand Pollock, Cognitive Carpentry: A Blueprint for How to Build a Person,MIT Press, Cambridge, Mass., 1995, each of which is incorporated hereinby reference.) Once a patient is assessed, and his or her CharacteristicValue(s) are generated based on the assessed characteristics, aCriticality Value is generated by comparison with the Criticality Valuesof the other patients already in the queue. From this comparison, aQueue Status Indicator is assigned to the patient, ranking him amongothers in the queue awaiting medical attention. A list of theprioritized patients, their location (e.g., designated waiting roomchair), and their biometric and physiological data are transmitted totriage nurses in the Emergency Room who attend to the patients in theorder indicated by the Queue Status Indicator.

The identity of the patients is verified by repeating the fingerprintscan using the fingerprint sensor and comparing the fingerprint data toa database containing electronic medical records. The designated chairoccupied by the patient is converted to unoccupied status once thetriage nurse verifies the patient's identity and attends to the patient.

Prophetic Example 2 Automatic Patient Data Collection System forHospital Healthcare Workers

A nurse who cares for patients receiving hematopoietic stem celltransplants is screened by an automatic data collection system forevidence of infectious disease or the presence of a pathogen beforegaining access to the hospital. Such a determination can be based atleast in part, on the subject's own health history or on standardizedvalues. A hospital pre-entry room contains remote sensors which arewirelessly connected to a central computer that is programmed to compileand analyze the biometric and physiological data obtained from thenurse. The nurse is identified by iris scanning with a wall-mounted irisscanner (e.g., an Iris Scanner System is available from Bayometric,Inc., San Jose, Calif.; see Biometric Iris Access Specif. Sheet which isincorporated herein by reference). The iris scanner system transmitsiris images and face images to a central computer that compares theimages to stored data to authenticate the nurse's identity. Afterauthentication, the central computer activates a video camera and remotesensors to detect signs of infectious disease in the nurse.

A video is recorded while the nurse is screened by remote sensors.First, an electronic nose is activated to sample the employee's breathand detect chemicals indicative of microbial infection. For example, anelectronic sensor array may detect gases indicative of a respiratoryinfection by pathogens, such as influenza virus, rhinovirus, adenovirus,Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Methodsand devices to detect chemicals given off by microbial pathogens aredescribed (see e.g., U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0006257, which isincorporated herein by reference). Electronic nose sensor array responseprofiles may be used to distinguish healthy and diseased individuals orcarriers and non-carriers of a pathogen. Also a database of responseprofiles corresponding to healthy and infected individuals or carriersand non-carriers of a pathogen may be stored on the central computer andused for comparison to the nurse's current response profile. Storedelectronic nose response profiles may include profiles unique to manydifferent bacterial, viral and fungal pathogens. Results from theelectronic nose screening are compiled in the central computer foranalysis and a remote sensor is activated to measure body temperature.The nurse's body temperature is determined by thermal imaging with aradiometric camera (e.g., a 7320 ETIP camera available from InfraredCameras, Inc., Beaumont, Tex.; see Spec. Sheet IR Camera, which isincorporated herein by reference). The infrared camera is installed inthe wall in the pre-entry room and is focused on the nurse's forehead oreyes. Devices and methods to determine core body temperaturenoninvasively and remotely are described (see e.g., U.S. Pat. No.7,340,293, which is incorporated herein by reference). The bodytemperature is wirelessly transmitted to a central computer and comparedto the nurse's mean body temperature for the previous month. Moreoverthe nurse's physiologic data including the electronic nose responseprofile, the body temperature and the video data are analyzed by thecentral computer using dedicated software to determine if the nursedisplays signs of infection. Computer programs to evaluate and comparephysiological datasets are described (see e.g., the paper titled:OSCAR-MDA An Artificially Intelligent Advisor for Emergency RoomMedicine by John L. Pollock and Devin Hosea printed on Oct. 18, 2011 andavailable online atciteseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.49.4970&rep=rep1&type=pdfand Pollock, Cognitive Carpentry: A Blueprint for How to Build a Person,MIT Press, Cambridge, Mass., 1995, which are incorporated herein byreference).

If video analysis or any other sensors (i.e., electronic nose and IRcamera) indicate an infection may be present, the nurse may be deniedaccess to the hospital until he or she talks with their immediatesupervisor or a health safety officer for clearance. If an infection issuspected, the nurse may be required to submit an oral or nasal samplefor analysis of microbial pathogens. The sample may be analyzed on amicrofluidic chip located in the pre-entry room that utilizesbiochemical assays for nucleic acids derived from microbial pathogens.For example, a microfluidic chip designed to detect viral and bacterialpathogens using polymerase chain reaction is described (see e.g., Chenet al, Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 1098: 429-436, 2007, which is incorporatedherein by reference). Data on detection of viral or bacterial pathogens(e.g., influenza virus, rhinovirus, adenovirus, Streptococcuspneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and/or Mycobacterium tuberculosis)are automatically transmitted to a central computer by the system, andthe nurse, the supervisor, or a health safety officer is notified. If apathogenic infection is detected, the nurse will be sent home for theday or heightened precautions may be taken, such as the nurse wearing aface mask and avoiding unnecessary contact with patients.

Prophetic Example 3 Automatic Patient Data Collection System for theWaiting Room of a Primary Care Clinic

An adult patient makes an appointment to see a primary care physiciandue to chest pressure. The patient interacts with an automatic datacollection system upon arrival at the doctor's office. The automaticdata collection system includes a touch screen computer with a videocamera; remote, nonconductive physiological sensors; a central computerand programming to collect and compare a patient's physiological data toelectronic health records; and health information database(s).

Upon entering the waiting room, the patient can check in with areceptionist or with a touch screen computer installed adjacent to thereception desk. The patient is registered by interaction with a touchscreen computer (e.g., iPad2 from Apple, Inc., Cupertino, Calif.) and afingerprint sensor (e.g., Lumidigm Venus fingerprint sensor fromLumidigm Inc., Albuquerque, N. Mex.; see Lumidigm Venus Datasheet whichis incorporated herein by reference). The touch screen computer isprogrammed to interact verbally and by touch with the patient, so thatany verbal information provided by the patient is displayed on thecomputer screen and confirmed by touching the screen. The patient isprompted to touch the fingerprint sensor, and the patient's name andfingerprint data are transmitted to a central computer, and compared toa database (which may be site wide, citywide, statewide or nationwide)of patient medical records. If no matching medical record is found, thetouch screen computer queries the patient by voice and “on-the-screen”to obtain essential information including name, address, birth date,health insurance information, credit card number, and the reason for thevisit. The patient information is sent to the central computer and addedto an existing health record, or is used to create a new medical recordfor the patient that includes the fingerprint data. The touch screencomputer also has a camera to record the height of the patient and afacial photograph, which are also transmitted to the central computerand recorded in the medical record(s). If the patient has a pre-existingmedical record the patient may be queried by the touch screen computerto update the medical record. For example, the patient's currentaddress, phone number, and insurance coverage may be verified byinteracting verbally or by touching the computer keyboard or screen.

The patient is asked to choose between automatic physiologic datacollection by remote, nonconductive sensors, or by manual datacollection by a healthcare worker at the time of the appointment. If thepatient chooses automated data collection, then a designated chair inthe waiting room is activated, and the patient is directed to sit in thechair designated by a flashing light. When the patient sits in thedesignated chair, the flashing light stops, and an electronic scale inthe floor measures the patient's weight and sends it to the centralcomputer, which calculates the body mass index (BMI) of the patient andfinds the patient is overweight with a BMI equal to 35. Based on thepatient's weight and complaint of chest pressure, the system activatesremote sensors to measure heart function.

First, a remote, nonconductive sensor is activated to measure thepatient's respiration rate and heart rate. A remote sensor illuminatesthe patient with radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic signals anddetects the reflected electromagnetic signal waves. The RF sensor may beincorporated in the back of the chair. A remote sensor to detectrespiration and heart rate is described (see e.g., U.S. Pat. No.7,272,431, which is incorporated herein by reference). Data on the heartrate and respiration rate of the patient are transmitted to a centralcomputer and compared to the patient's previous data on heart rate andrespiration rate, as well as normal healthy values for thesephysiological parameters. The computer determines that the patient'sheart rate is abnormal and sends an email message to the physicianindicating an abnormal heartbeat is occurring. The central computer alsoactivates a remote nonconductive sensor to determine the patient'selectrocardiogram. Ultra-high-input-impedance electric potential sensorsin each armrest of the chair adjacent to the patient's arms or torsoobtain a single, or together a differential, measurement of theelectrical potential signals of the heart. Nonconductive electricpotential sensors to determine a patient's electrocardiogram (ECG) aredescribed (see e.g., Harland et al., Meas. Sci. Technol. 13, 163-169,2002, which is incorporated herein by reference). For example, a firstorder, differential, high resolution ECG is recorded using two electricpotential probes, and is transmitted to a central computer where it iscompared to previous ECGs for the patient and to ECGs from normal,healthy individuals. The shape and time intervals for the P wave, QRScomplex and T wave are evaluated. Computer analysis of the patient'selectrocardiogram verifies the abnormal heartbeat detected with the RFsensor and sends another email to the physician highlighting theabnormal ECG aspects and recommending additional evaluation of heartfunction, such as a 12-electrode ECG and blood biochemistry assays thatmay provide indications of heart dysfunction. For example, the computermay recommend determining blood electrolytes (e.g., sodium andpotassium), measures of renal function, measures of liver function, acomplete blood count and measures of blood concentrations of troponinand B-type natriuretic peptide.

Next, the patient's hematocrit and blood oxygen concentration isdetermined by a photoplethysmograph device on the armrest of the chair.A system with a finger clip emits and detects different wavelengths oflight through the tissue of the finger (see e.g., Shaltis, et al., ConfProc. IEEE Eng. Med. Biol. Soc. 4: 3567-3570, 2005, which isincorporated herein by reference). The extinction of selectedwavelengths of light is detected and may be used to determine thehematocrit and the blood oxygen saturation value. For example, a systemand method to measure hematocrit and blood oxygenation bytransilluminating the patient's finger with light at wavelengths of 660nm, 805 nm and 1550 nm is described (see e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,136,which is incorporated herein by reference).

The central computer next activates an infrared camera to measure thepatient's temperature. The patient's body temperature is determined bythermal imaging with a radiometric camera (e.g., a 7320 ETIP cameraavailable from Infrared Cameras, Inc., Beaumont, Tex.; see Spec. SheetIR camera which is incorporated herein by reference). The infraredcamera is installed in the wall in front of the patient's chair andfocuses on the patient's forehead or eyes. Devices and methods todetermine core body temperature in a noninvasive and remote manner aredescribed (see e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,340,293, which is incorporatedherein by reference). The patient's temperature is transmitted to thecentral computer and added to their medical record.

The physiological parameters determined remotely by the automatic datacollection system in the waiting room are transmitted wirelessly to acentral computer that communicates with health information databases(e.g., Kaiser Permanente electronic health records may be accessed usingEpicCare software from Epic Systems Corp, Verona, Wis.; Centers forDisease Control, Data and Statistics are available online atcdc.gov/datastatistics, the subject matter of which is incorporatedherein by reference). Wireless sensor networks for aggregating andtransmitting physiological data to a central computer are described (seee.g., Gao et al., Proc. IEEE Conf Technologies for Homeland Security,pp. 187-192, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference).

The automatic data collection system includes computer programs andmethods to compare the patient's physiological parameters to parametersobtained from healthy individuals, and to the patient's medical history.The system includes a central computer with programs to compare multipledatasets, identify acute care situations and alert and advise healthcareworkers. Computer programs to evaluate and compare physiologicaldatasets are described (see e.g., OSCAR-MDA An Artificially IntelligentAdvisor for Emergency Room Medicine, OSCAR-DSS, OSCAR Project TechnicalReport, 1997, by John L. Pollock and Devin Hosea printed on Oct. 18,2011 and available online atciteseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.49.4970&rep=rep1&type=pdf,and Pollock, Cognitive Carpentry: A Blueprint for How to Build a Person,MIT Press, Cambridge, Mass., 1995, which are incorporated herein byreference). An updated medical record including the currentphysiological parameters is provided to the health care giver (e.g.,primary care physician) prior to seeing the patient. Moreover, acutemedical situations are indicated by alerts issued by the system, basedon the assessed characteristics of the patient in comparison with theCriticality Value dataset.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes ofillustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scopeand spirit being indicated by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system in a healthcare facility room,comprising: one or more input/output devices having a non-transitorysignal bearing medium operable to accept data related to a subject basedon the subject's response to at least one query; receive at least oneinput regarding one or more characteristics of the subject based on oneor more sensors located in furniture configured to support the subject;compare the at least one input regarding the subject with aCharacteristic Value dataset; generate a Characteristic Value from theat least one input from the subject based on the comparison with theCharacteristic Value dataset; generate a Criticality Value for thesubject based on a weighted determination of the subject's one or moreCharacteristic Values compared with other subjects in a queue; furtherincluding assign a Queue Status Indicator value from a Queue StatusIndicator dataset based on the comparison of the subject's CriticalityValue with the Criticality Value dataset and activating a physicalindicator that locates the most critical subject awaiting treatment inthe healthcare facility room, as determined by the assigned Queue StatusIndicator value.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the assessmentthreshold includes one or more of time, characteristic value, orsequential number.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein subsequent one ormore queries are based on previous input or response by the subject to aprevious query.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one inputregarding the subject includes at least one input from a healthcareworker or device regarding the subject.
 5. The system of claim 1,wherein the subject is nonresponsive.
 6. The system of claim 1, whereinthe at least one input regarding the subject includes at least oneresult from a physiologic assessment of the subject.
 7. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one input regarding the subject includesone or more detected physiologic parameters sensed by one or moresensors assessing the subject.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein thecomparing at least one input regarding the subject with a CharacteristicValue dataset includes at least one of coupling, versioning, orclustering in determining the subject's one or more CharacteristicValues.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the queries are linked to theCharacteristic Value dataset.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein theinput/output device is operable to convert information into electronicsignals that include digitized or weighted protocols.
 11. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the system includes one or more logic devices.
 12. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the generate a Criticality Value for thesubject further includes one or more health record values based oninformation in the subject's health records or family history.
 13. Thesystem of claim 12, wherein the subject's health records includeelectronic health records.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein thegenerate a Criticality Value for the subject includes coordinating anemergency room triage number as a function of the threshold conditionsatisfied by one or more characteristics of the subject.
 15. The systemof claim 1, wherein the generate a Characteristic Value for the subjectincludes coordinating an emergency symptom code or value as a functionof the threshold condition satisfied by one or more othercharacteristics of the subject.
 16. The system of claim 1, furtherincluding store at least one of the subject's Characteristic Value(s),Criticality Value(s), or one or more Queue Status Indicator(s).
 17. Thesystem of claim 1, further including remove at least one of thesubject's Criticality Value or Queue Status Indicator from therespective datasets once medical attention has been rendered to thesubject.
 18. The system of claim 1, wherein to generate the subject'sCriticality Value includes defaulting to the highest Queue StatusIndicator available when the Criticality Value dataset is empty.
 19. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the Characteristic Value dataset includesqueries related to one or more physical characteristics of a subject.20. The system of claim 1, wherein accept data related to the subjectincludes accept data related to identification of the subject.
 21. Thesystem of claim 1, further including assess at least one of sensing oneor more characteristics of the subject, registering one or moreself-reported characteristics of the subject, registering one or morehealth care provider-assessed characteristic, or assaying one or morebodily samples from the subject.
 22. The system of claim 21, wherein theregistering one or more self-reported characteristics of the subjectinclude registering responses to one or more data collection questions.23. The system of claim 1, further including generate a signalindicating that monitoring of one or more characteristics of the subjectis warranted based, at least in part, on one or more of the subject'sCharacteristic Values exceeding a Characteristic Value threshold, or thesubject's Criticality Value exceeding a Criticality Value threshold. 24.The system of claim 23, wherein at least one of the one or more of thesubject's Characteristic Values exceeding a Characteristic Valuethreshold or the subject's Criticality Value exceeding a CriticalityValue threshold is updated at a specified time or random time based onthe monitoring.
 25. The system of claim 1, further including signal atleast one alert if the subject's Criticality Value satisfies one or morethreshold conditions.
 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the one ormore threshold conditions are based on numerical Criticality Values. 27.The system of claim 25, wherein the signal at least one alert if thesubject's Criticality Value exceeds one or more thresholds includesescalate the signaling according to increasing Criticality Values forthe subject.
 28. The method of claim 25, wherein signal at least onealert if the subject's Criticality Value exceeds one or more thresholdsincludes at least one or more of signal with light, sound, or movement.29. The system of claim 25, wherein signal at least one alert if thesubject's Criticality Value exceeds one or more thresholds includessignal at least one of temporal or location information of the subject.30. The system of claim 1, further including: record results of the atleast one input regarding one or more characteristics of the subject; inresponse to compare the at least one input regarding the subject with aCharacteristic Value dataset.
 31. The system of claim 1, wherein the oneor more sensors include at least one of a sensor array, sensor network,sensor node, body area network, or personal area network.
 32. The systemof claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors are in operablecommunication with at least one database network.
 33. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more sensors are in operable communicationwith at least one computing device.
 34. The system of claim 7, whereinthe one or more sensors include at least one of an electric potentialsensor, high input impedance electrometer, electromagnetic sensor,radiofrequency sensor, microwave sensor, micropower impulse radarsensor, ultrasonic sensor, imager, camera, laser, infrared sensor, oraudio sensor.
 35. The system of claim 34, wherein the imager includes atleast one of a thermal imager, light imager, or ultrasonic imager. 36.The system of claim 7, wherein the one or more sensors include at leastone of ECG, EOG, EEG, MEG, pulsometer, oximeter, pupillometer, fluiddetector or analyzer, biomechanical assessor, thermal sensor, retinalinterrogator, respiration detector, spirometer, or implanted physiologicsensors.
 37. The system of claim 36, wherein the fluid detector includesat least one microfluidic or other microchip fluidics device.
 38. Thesystem of claim 36, wherein the respiration detector includes at leastone of a remote imager or a direct pressure sensor.
 39. The system ofclaim 7, wherein the one of the one or more sensors is configured toscan the subject.
 40. The system of claim 7, wherein at least one of thesensors is remotely controlled.
 41. The system of claim 7, wherein atleast one of the sensors is remotely controlled by at least one ofwired, radiofrequency, wireless, Bluetooth®, or other connection. 42.The system of claim 1, further including initiating or modifying medicaltreatment based on the Criticality Value of the subject.
 43. The systemof claim 1, further including initiating medical treatment to thesubject most in need of medical attention, based on the Queue StatusIndicator value of each subject.
 44. The system of claim 1, furtherincluding transmitting the location and physiological data of thesubject most in need of medical attention, based on the Queue StatusIndicator value of each subject, to at least one healthcare worker inthe same room.
 45. A system in a healthcare facility room, comprising:one or more input/output devices having a non-transitory signal bearingmedium operable to receive at least one input regarding one or morecharacteristics of the subject based on one or more sensors located infurniture configured to support the subject; compare the at least oneinput regarding the subject with a Characteristic Value dataset;generate a Characteristic Value from the at least one input from thesubject based on the comparison with the Characteristic Value dataset;generate a Criticality Value for the subject based on a weighteddetermination of the subject's one or more Characteristic Valuescompared with other subjects in a queue; assign a Queue Status Indicatorvalue based on the comparison of the subject's Criticality Value withthe Criticality Value dataset and transmitting the location andphysiological data of the subject most in need of medical attention toan entity associated with the healthcare facility room.